Malcolm C. Duncan is a Scottish author, born in 1971. His work places him within a lineage of individuals named Hal, a masculine given name often serving as a diminutive for names like Harold, Henry, or Harvey. This name has been adopted by a diverse array of notable figures across various fields.

These individuals include figures from the arts and entertainment, such as film directors like Hal Ashby, actors like Hal Holbrook and Hal Linden, and musicians including drummers like Hal Blaine and songwriters like Hal David. The name also appears among authors, journalists, and academics, such as Hal Borland and Hal Clement, and in fields like politics and sports, with politicians like Hal Colebatch and athletes like Hal McRae and Hal Moore. The extract also lists fictional characters bearing the name Hal, appearing in literature, comics, and video games.